One Community, One Purpose: Faculty & Staff Giving at SIT

At the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), the power of community is more than a belief, it is seen in countless daily actions. Every day, SIT faculty and staff show up not only to teach and guide, but to uplift lives through education. They witness firsthand the resilience and drive of our students, and they understand that financial hardship can stand in the way of a brighter future. 

It is this understanding, coupled with their belief in students’ potential, that moves them to act.

Faculty & Staff Giving: More Than Just Financial Aid

Since its inception in 2015, the Faculty & Staff Giving (FSG) programme has supported the SIT Bursary, one of the most accessible forms of financial aid at SIT, as well as other student-focused funds. 

Many bursary recipients juggle part-time work and family responsibilities while pursuing their education. 

Valued at $3,000 per award, the SIT Bursary helps ease financial stress and creates a nurturing environment where students can focus, thrive and grow. It opens doors to transformative experiences such as overseas immersion programmes. FSG also fuels the Forward SITizen Initiative (FSI), which provides full tuition support for SIT’s most financially vulnerable students. Thanks to this collective kindness, over 215 SIT Bursaries have been awarded through FSG to-date – each one a catalyst for growth that builds confidence and unlocks opportunities.

Why We Give: Voices from the SIT Community

Beyond the numbers, FSG is powered by stories of empathy, inspiration and a deep commitment to student success. What drives SIT faculty and staff to give? These voices reveal the heart behind the mission.

Meet Our Givers

Arif Z Nelson: Giving Students the Freedom to Learn

For Associate Professor Arif Z Nelson from the Food Chemical and Biotechnology (FCB) cluster, it began with a conversation that hit close to home. “One of my mentees in the SIT-Massey Food Technology programme shared how they might not be able to afford the overseas portion of their programme, even while saving every cent from a part-time job,” Arif recalls.

“I've had students turn down research internships in my lab – not because they lacked interest, but because they needed better-paying jobs. I understand the tension between educational opportunities, time, and financial investment. If I can help ease that burden, even in a small way, and allow students to fully engage with what SIT offers, then it's absolutely the right thing to do.”

Arif, who joined SIT in 2022 and serves as the Faculty Laboratory-In-Charge of the Food Characterisation Applied Research Lab, believes that giving doesn’t require fanfare, just trust in students’ drive and potential. 

Quek Aik Juei: Inspired by Action, Driven by Community

For Quek Aik Juei (AJ) from the Digital Transformation Office, the spark came during SITizen Run 2025.  “The event showed me how simple it was to make a difference. I felt genuinely inspired seeing colleagues from across SIT unite to support staff giving and contribute to the SIT Bursary. At SIT, we’re all committed to enabling and grooming our learners, and supporting students in need feels like a natural extension of that mission.”

Since joining SIT in January 2025, AJ has found that staff giving strengthens his connection to the SIT community.

“It's a powerful reminder that our work goes beyond our immediate roles. For anyone unsure about joining, I’d say just give it a try. You might be surprised by how enjoyable and meaningful it can be,” AJ urges.

May Cheng: Giving as a Personal and Generational Value

For May Cheng from the Office of SITizen Experience (OSE), giving is both personal and purposeful.

“Giving, to me, is about offering support without expecting anything in return. It’s a deeply personal act, helping where I can. As a mother, I also see it as a chance to set the right example for my child. I want them to grow up understanding the importance of kindness, generosity, and giving back to others.”

May, who supports alumni engagement initiatives like SITizen Day, Alumni Reunion, and Performing Arts Alumni Groups, sees FSG events as a celebration of unity. “They remind us that we're all in this as one team. I feel the word that best captures the spirit of giving is ‘Support’ – showing up for others and making a difference, even in small ways,” May reflects.

Faiezin Osman: Paying it Forward with Purpose

As an SIT alumnus, Faiezin Osman knows firsthand the impact of financial aid.

“Receiving a first-year bursary was life-changing. It lifted a huge financial weight off my shoulders and allowed me to focus fully on my studies. That support made all the difference – and now, I'm committed to giving others the same opportunity.”  

Faiezin joined SIT in October 2020 as a Research Engineer in FCB and transitioned to the SIT Teaching & Learning Academy (STLA) in July 2024, where he now designs learning analytics dashboards for the Competency-based Stackable Micro-credential (CSM) Programme. “I was also inspired by my former Principal Investigator, whose generosity and dedication sparked a ripple effect. I carry that spirit of giving forward in everything I do,” Faiezin shares.

Your Contribution Matters

FSG is more than a fundraising campaign – it is a reflection of SIT’s heart. Whether through the SIT Bursary or other student-focused funds, your gift helps ease financial stress, unlock opportunities, and build a stronger future for our students. Let us stand together to ensure every deserving student at SIT has the chance to fulfil their potential.

To make a gift, simply complete the online form here or join us at the FSG roadshows.

Together, we can uplift, empower, and inspire our students – one SITizen at a time.